Slide2: The Amateur Softball Association of America Mission Statement To develop, direct and promote the sport of softball to ensure maximum participation, optimal performance and educational excellence. Partner with the ASA to enhance your local softball programs. Visit asasoftball.com to find the contact information for your local commissioner today or call the ASA National Headquarters at 800-654-8337.


Slide3: The ASA, a national not-for-profit corporation based in Oklahoma City, was formed in 1933 and has remained the official rules writer and interpreter for the sport of softball The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of softball pursuant to the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act of 1978 Under the banner of USA Softball, the ASA is responsible for training, equipping and promoting, women’s, men’s, junior girls’ and junior boys’ National Teams that compete in international and domestic competition ASA conducts youth and adult softball programs in every state and virtually every city in the United States through a network of 87 local associations According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), the ASA registers and sanctions 67% of the softball marketplace Why the ASA


Slide4: ASA by the Numbers


Slide5: Fastest growing segment of the sport The ASA’s Junior Olympic (JO) program (youth) was instituted in 1974 Growth of the program is the result of strong local ASA leagues, the ASA tournament structure and overall growth in female athletics The ASA Girl’s Fast Pitch National Championships are among the hottest properties in amateur youth sports The ASA currently has over 100 JO commissioners (local administrators) implementing local youth programming According to documented research, 80% of all collegiate players were recruited from ASA programs Over 30 cities bid to host ASA JO National Championships each year ASA Youth Softball Program


Slide6: 16.9 million softball players ages 6 & up in the U.S. 53% male/47% female (slow pitch) 25% male/75% female (fast pitch) 62% are 18-54; average age: 32.7 (slow pitch) 50% are 6-17; average age: 17.8 (fast pitch) 1.2 million girls (85,000 teams) play in ASA programs Average Income: $69,400 slow pitch players Average Income: $60,500 fast pitch players One of the few sports left in America that is commonly played by both dad’s and their daughters Source: SGMA Softball Demographics


Slide7: ASA Regional Breakdown


Slide8: The ASA annually registers over 230,000 softball teams comprising over 3.5 million players The ASA annually registers over 85,000 Junior Olympic (youth) softball teams comprising over 1.2 million players The ASA annually registers over 35,000 certified umpires Every season the ASA conducts over 100 National Championships in which 30,000 players compete Membership publications are produced on yearly basis and are distributed to 300,000 softball players and coaches The ASA has 84 local associations across America capable of implementing any event or promotion at the local and regional level The ASA’s website, www.asasoftball.com, averages over 7,000 “visitors” per day focusing on ASA tournament information, updated softball player and team information and trivia contests ASA Quick Facts


Slide9: 31 Total number of people who watched softball on TV in 2006 Source: Nielsen NPower 2006; 1/06 – 8/06 MILLION The Popularity of Softball


Slide10: A very structured national grassroots organization involved in all facets of softball including youth fast/slow pitch, adult fast/slow pitch, modified pitch, coed, seniors and umpiring ASA softball related publications 5% player and team discount at bsnsports.com/asa (ID: ID# 997142) Individual registration product ASA ACE Coaching Certification Program Championship Play competitions in every state and major metropolitan area ASA Insurance Program ASA Equipment Certification Program ASA family of websites USA Softball National Team program National Softball Hall of Fame & Stadium ASA Member Benefits


Slide11: Each ASA registered team and umpire receives the following: Copy of the Official Rules of Softball Balls & Strikes Softball Magazine ASA Scorebook Team ID card featuring additional membership benefits including rental car airline discounts, ASA merchandise and much more Opportunity to receive the best insurance coverage available in the softball marketplace ASA Member Benefits


Slide12: As the largest softball organization in the Unites States, the ASA prides itself on providing quality local service In every state and major metropolitan area in the United States, the ASA maintains a local association serviced by an ASA commissioner, youth coordinator, athlete representative and umpire-in-chief All ASA state offices use district commissioners to ensure direct local contact at every level, while ASA metropolitan areas often communicate directly with leagues and park/rec departments The ASA is governed by a board of directors and a voting Council Membership of 270 members including all 84 local ASA Commissioners, regional umpires, Junior Olympic Commissioners and player representatives, and ASA past presidents among others The ASA voting council ensures that a democratic process is followed when the ASA Code and Playing Rules are acted upon and the best interests of the sport of softball are met in all matters ASA Member Benefits: Grassroots Structure


Slide13: ASA Member Benefits: National Events & Branding Sponsorships/Event Marketing The ASA will continue to create new events profiling the USA Softball Women’s National Team in an effort to attract corporate America to softball. Properties owned and operated by the ASA featuring the USA Softball brand include but are not limited to the following: World Cup of Softball “Road to Beijing” USA Softball College Showcase espn.com/USA Softball Top 25 USA Softball Player of the Year


Slide14: ASA National Coaching Certification Program; a.k.a., ACE Program (see following slide for program details) 5% player and team discount at bsnsports.com/asa (ID: ID# 997142) ASA National Coaching Schools ASA Youth Clinics and Camps Complete ASA insurance coverage for league teams, players and league administrators if all players are individually registered Tournament opportunities for each recognized classification of play Structured and enforced classification system allowing for fair competition among local leagues and travel teams Collegiate scholarship opportunities for ASA players (over 80% of all collegiate softball players played in ASA league and tournament programs) Opportunity to host events that generate millions of dollars for the local community ASA Member Benefits: Youth (JO) Program


Slide15: A=Achieve: A Certain base of knowledge C=Certify: To confirm that a coach has obtained a level of understanding over which he/she has been tested on E=Educate: To assist with the gathering of knowledge and information To ensure that our youth coaches understand that coaching a youth softball team means more than just knowing the nuts and bolts of softball A national program, with a national registration fee, the program is administered by the local ASA association to their leagues and teams Video based, certification takes less than 90 minutes to complete, program is easy to run and administer Benefits of the ACE program include $5,000,000 liability insurance policy (only if coaching a registered team), take home ACE Certification Manual, Personalized ACE ID card, ACE certificate, ACE gift, discount coupons on ASA merchandise and training videotapes ACE Coaching Certification Program


Slide16: Structured and enforced classification system allowing for fair competition among local leagues and tournament teams The finest umpiring organization in softball 5% player and team discount at bsnsports.com/asa (ID: ID# 997142) Opportunities for local tournaments to have berths to the National Championships Series and other National Championship competitions Opportunity to host ASA National Championship Events that generate millions of dollars for the local community National Championship Play structure The crown jewel for Men’s and Women’s Adult Slow Pitch is the Hooters Championship Series in which the East meets the West to vie for the title of ASA National Champion Exciting and progressive tournament competitions featuring cash prizes, vacation packages and equipment donations ASA Member Benefits: Adult Program


Slide17: All ASA umpires receive additional accident and liability insurance National Umpire Schools and Clinics: The ASA conducts multiple training schools across every region of the country Advanced Umpire Schools: Held on an annual basis, this school is designed for umpires who aspire to work at the highest level of competition Every other year, the ASA conducts a National UIC workshop at ASA’s Headquarters in Oklahoma City Medals and National Indicator Fraternity awards program Opportunity to gain ISF (International) Certification Educational resources including umpire training manuals, instructional videos and CD-Roms ASA Properties Catalog, website and 800# for discounted umpire uniforms and equipment ASA provides every ASA registered umpire the opportunity to work in National Championship competitions ASA Member Benefits: Umpire Program


Slide18: Every city in the United States has the opportunity to host an ASA National Championship event by presenting a tournament bid before the ASA National Council Democratic voting process (270 voting ASA Council Members) determines location of ASA National Championship events ASA National Championships are known for their outstanding organization and quality umpires; first class trophy packages, updated tournament results, and at certain adult tournaments, jackets, cash prizes, airline tickets and All-American recognition As the National Governing Body, the ASA holds the only truly recognized National Championship competitions Each local association is given a minimum number of qualifiers to ensure that every registered team has the opportunity to compete in ASA Championship Play The ASA maintains rigid classification guidelines and procedures ensuring fair competitions throughout all levels of Championship Play Competitions like the ASA Championship Series make ASA the leader in the softball industry The ASA conducts a National Championship in every recognized classification of play from girl’s 10-under fast pitch to men’s senior’s slow pitch ASA Member Benefits: Championship Play


Slide19: The ASA can provide insurance for every softball game through very affordable liability coverage for field owners Opportunity for member teams and individually registered players to purchase accident insurance at low group rates Comprehensive general liability coverage in the amount of $2 million for league officers if 100% of the teams are registered with ASA Comprehensive general liability coverage in the amount of $2 million for the local umpire association if 100% of the umpires are registered with the ASA ASA Member Benefits: Insurance Program


Slide20: The ASA has established the strictest performance standards of any softball organization in the world for bats and balls The ASA has spent millions of dollars in research and development of a bat and ball testing program The program is designed to maintain the integrity of the game for current and future players The ASA performs random policing each year to make sure all licensed manufacturers are meeting current standards Local leagues and municipalities have the option to adopt the current ASA rules governing championship play, or make modifications based on local market conditions ASA Member Benefits: Equipment Certification


Slide21: Updated daily with the latest softball news, tournament information and other softball related items Direct links to all 84 local state/metro associations using a zip code search feature Historical database of tournaments featuring results and awards dating back to the 1950’s Online registration program designed for local ASA organizations to register their member teams, players and umpires with ASA Headquarters ASA Member Benefits: www.asasoftball.com


Slide22: The world’s most elite team, the USA Softball Women’s National Team, is selected, promoted and equipped for competition by the ASA As a member of the ASA, you have the opportunity to host events featuring the USA Softball Women’s National Team generating additional funds and awareness for your local softball program and community The USA Softball Women’s National Team has played on cable or network television over thirty times the last three years, highlighting the ASA’s effort to promote the sport of fast pitch softball The ASA conducts a grass roots tour with the USA Softball Women’s National Team, building a bridge between the youth of America and their Olympic dreams The 2004 USA Softball National Team was selected as the team of the year by the United States Olympic Committee and featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated after winning the gold medal at the Athens Olympic Games ASA Member Benefits: Diamond Dynasty


Slide23: As the recognized NGB for softball, it is the ASA’s responsibility to keep a historical record of softball and its team and individual achievements In 1986, the ASA built the world’s finest softball facility which currently hosts ASA National Championship competitions as well as the World Cup of Softball and NCAA Women’s College World Series Measuring well over 10,000 square feet, the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame & Museum features the greatest softball players, coaches and administrators in the world ASA Member Benefits: Hall of Fame Complex


Slide24: Following is a list detailing some promotional concepts you can try in your local area in an effort to stimulate participation in softball. Additional information on each of these programs can be obtained by calling ASA Headquarters: ASA Sponsored, Summer Fun Softball Initiatives through PLAY BALL USA. Institute a free agent softball program thereby allowing any individual that inquires the ability to join a team Develop a special coed league for high school and college aged kids with less restrictive rules on the number of females per team-encourages participation Join forces with a local radio station to run PSA’s or co-op advertising promoting league registrations Provide free league registration to local media outlets (free publicity) and encourage local restaurants to form teams Homerun contest or a skills contest during a special league night Buddy Ball/Two man softball geared towards hitting at targets, players accumulate points towards prizes and recognition Equipment demo day in conjunction with a local rep or sporting goods store Broken league schedules (4 weeks on/4 weeks off) Enhance awards during league and tournament play through equipment donations and cash prizes Faster paced games during tournaments to ensure games stay on schedule Contact your local Major/Minor League Baseball promotions office to develop a softball day at the park Bid on an ASA National Championship event to bring nationwide attention to your facility Organize a League Championship Series (LCS) where all league winners from a major metropolitan area face each other in a weekend tournament with entry fees going to support cash prizes or free league entries the following year Contact a local beer distributor to arrange a social night at the park encouraging coed softball Conduct a local celebrity, police, and firefighters softball challenge to increase community support ASA Promotional Concepts


Slide25: AMATEUR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 2801 NE 50TH STREET OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73111 Phone: (405) 424-5266 Fax: (405) 424-3855 Web: www.asasoftball.com